NCAA College Basketball Talk

[IrishDawg]

I'm not sure I agree that Loyola doesn't have NBA talent. If Custer turns in another strong year and Loyola does well, I can see him getting plenty of NBA looks. Same with Krutwig if he keeps developing; though it's harder to see with him because the NBA doesn't like low-post scoring Centers anymore.

Custer and Krutwig are great college players, but neither have the athleticism that they would need to play in the NBA, in my opinion.  I would take both of them on my team in a heartbeat though.  Custer's issue along with his athleticism is he turns the ball over too much (Loyola was 227th in the nation in turnover rate).

[VU2014]

I could see Custer getting a cup of coffee NBA career and getting a two-way contract from someone. Krutwig isn't a NBA player, imo.

[IrishDawg]

https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1021835835480715264

[may know]

Another thing working against Custer is his height and that he doesn't have the speed/athleticism to makeup for it.

He's listed as 6'1" but when you see him up close you know that isn't accurate.

[NativeCheesehead]

Krutwig's basically Luke Harangody. Will likely have the same type of dominant college career and non existent NBA career. Though having at least 6 more career games being 'guarded' by Smits and J will really pump up his numbers.

[VU2014]

Krutwig's basically Luke Harangody. Will likely have the same type of dominant college career and non existent NBA career. Though having at least 6 more career games being 'guarded' by Smits and J will really pump up his numbers.

His footwork for a guy that size is elite. He took Smits to town that game. Jay actually held his own in the 2nd game, but fouled out which ended up sealing the game for Loyola on the road. Krutwig was pretty crafty getting his shot off both 7 footers. Smits really needs to improve his defense to be trusted to stay on the court late into games. If he could just become a average defender/rebounder he could probably put up some pretty sizable offensive stats.

[zvillehaze]

https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1021835835480715264

Solid move by the BE and B12 to counter the larger leagues going to 20 game schedules. 

I also like it because with the Gavitt Games and the BE-B12 challenge, the BE should absolutely stay at 10 teams.  For Valpo, that means that SLU and Dayton are in play, should they ever get tired of the A-10. 

[zvillehaze]

The reasons for not scheduling Loyola probably go beyond basketball. LU would have a shot to beat NU and they don't want to "legitimize" Or even acknowledge the existence of Loyola's basketball program. It's a similar reason why Butler refuses to schedule a series Valpo.

The reason that these series aren't scheduled is because most seasons, there is nothing to gain for Northwestern or Butler, from either a perception or tournament standpoint.  You've said so yourself that you don't want everyone "knighting" Loyola and bowing down to their program because this is the first tourney appearance that they've had in 30+ years.  So why should a Big Ten school like Northwestern give Loyola a home game in a 4,500 seat arena when there's no guarantee after next year that they'll be a top 50 program?

Butler doesn't schedule a series with Valpo for the same reason.  Is Valpo good enough that they could beat Butler, especially if the game is at Valpo?  Absolutely.  Would a road win benefit Butler at all come selection Sunday most years?  No.  Also, Valpo took a buy game against Northwestern last season.  Butler is a better basketball program than Northwestern.  Valpo wouldn't accept a buy game from Butler.  You are free to feel the way you'd like, this is your board, but generally speaking, it can be completely construed as basketball reasons why these things don't happen currently.  If major programs are going to take the risk of going on the road for a game, there needs to basically be a guaranteed tangible benefit.  Until schools can consistently show that they are going to be a team that gets counted as a quality win come selection Sunday, not just in a single year or years, it's going to be really hard to get teams to give up a home game and agree to come to your arena.  Gonzaga went through it, Xavier went through it, Butler went through it, Wichita State went through it.

If Loyola or Valpo or any team proves themselves over a 5+ year stretch, that's usually when you'll start to see a perceivable change in scheduling.  Even then, you can't expect every team to do you a solid and play at your gym.  Butler hasn't had an actual home game against IU, Purdue or Notre Dame in the last 20ish years.  Butler accepted a buy game from IU after the 2 National Title runs.  Life moves on.  If Valpo becomes a successful program, then you aren't going to need a home game against Butler to prove your mettle.  Other teams will step in and be those quality opponents.  Once that happens, if Valpo continues to prove itself, then invites to even better non-conference tournaments, neutral site games and home and homes will come.

Valpo is looking for quality wins too. Not sure a 6th place team qualifies. 

Butler is releasing their Non-Con schedule tomorrow and I've been told it doesn't include Valpo.  So, you don't have to play a 6th place team and Butler doesn't have to play one that finished DFL.  That's a win/win for all of us.

[vu72]

The reasons for not scheduling Loyola probably go beyond basketball. LU would have a shot to beat NU and they don't want to "legitimize" Or even acknowledge the existence of Loyola's basketball program. It's a similar reason why Butler refuses to schedule a series Valpo.

The reason that these series aren't scheduled is because most seasons, there is nothing to gain for Northwestern or Butler, from either a perception or tournament standpoint.  You've said so yourself that you don't want everyone "knighting" Loyola and bowing down to their program because this is the first tourney appearance that they've had in 30+ years.  So why should a Big Ten school like Northwestern give Loyola a home game in a 4,500 seat arena when there's no guarantee after next year that they'll be a top 50 program?

Butler doesn't schedule a series with Valpo for the same reason.  Is Valpo good enough that they could beat Butler, especially if the game is at Valpo?  Absolutely.  Would a road win benefit Butler at all come selection Sunday most years?  No.  Also, Valpo took a buy game against Northwestern last season.  Butler is a better basketball program than Northwestern.  Valpo wouldn't accept a buy game from Butler.  You are free to feel the way you'd like, this is your board, but generally speaking, it can be completely construed as basketball reasons why these things don't happen currently.  If major programs are going to take the risk of going on the road for a game, there needs to basically be a guaranteed tangible benefit.  Until schools can consistently show that they are going to be a team that gets counted as a quality win come selection Sunday, not just in a single year or years, it's going to be really hard to get teams to give up a home game and agree to come to your arena.  Gonzaga went through it, Xavier went through it, Butler went through it, Wichita State went through it.

If Loyola or Valpo or any team proves themselves over a 5+ year stretch, that's usually when you'll start to see a perceivable change in scheduling.  Even then, you can't expect every team to do you a solid and play at your gym.  Butler hasn't had an actual home game against IU, Purdue or Notre Dame in the last 20ish years.  Butler accepted a buy game from IU after the 2 National Title runs.  Life moves on.  If Valpo becomes a successful program, then you aren't going to need a home game against Butler to prove your mettle.  Other teams will step in and be those quality opponents.  Once that happens, if Valpo continues to prove itself, then invites to even better non-conference tournaments, neutral site games and home and homes will come.

Valpo is looking for quality wins too. Not sure a 6th place team qualifies. 

Butler is releasing their Non-Con schedule tomorrow and I've been told it doesn't include Valpo.  So, you don't have to play a 6th place team and Butler doesn't have to play one that finished DFL.  That's a win/win for all of us.

Fair enough 'haze!  Well played!  We shall compare finishes after the coming season!   

[VUGrad1314]

https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1021835835480715264

Solid move by the BE and B12 to counter the larger leagues going to 20 game schedules. I also like it because with the Gavitt Games and the BE-B12 challenge, the BE should absolutely stay at 10 teams.  For Valpo, that means that SLU and Dayton are in play, should they ever get tired of the A-10.

Isn't there talk of the Gavitt Games going away fairly soon?

[IrishDawg]

https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1021835835480715264

Solid move by the BE and B12 to counter the larger leagues going to 20 game schedules. I also like it because with the Gavitt Games and the BE-B12 challenge, the BE should absolutely stay at 10 teams.  For Valpo, that means that SLU and Dayton are in play, should they ever get tired of the A-10.

Isn't there talk of the Gavitt Games going away fairly soon?

The deal ends in the 2022-23 season, so depending on the definition that could be "fairly soon".  With the Big Ten going to 20 games, the Gavitt Games could get the axe, but only about half of the Big Ten teams participate in it each year, so unlike the ACC challenge, they're only going to be on the road once every 3 or 4 years.  They might renew it, they might not, but this makes a lot of sense for both the Big East and the Big 12 with both leagues at 10 teams and both leagues having games broadcast on Fox.

[VUGrad1314]

https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1021835835480715264

Solid move by the BE and B12 to counter the larger leagues going to 20 game schedules. I also like it because with the Gavitt Games and the BE-B12 challenge, the BE should absolutely stay at 10 teams.  For Valpo, that means that SLU and Dayton are in play, should they ever get tired of the A-10.

Isn't there talk of the Gavitt Games going away fairly soon?

The deal ends in the 2022-23 season, so depending on the definition that could be "fairly soon".  With the Big Ten going to 20 games, the Gavitt Games could get the axe, but only about half of the Big Ten teams participate in it each year, so unlike the ACC challenge, they're only going to be on the road once every 3 or 4 years.  They might renew it, they might not, but this makes a lot of sense for both the Big East and the Big 12 with both leagues at 10 teams and both leagues having games broadcast on Fox.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that this was in some way brokered by or advocated for by the network. That said, it's a good deal for everyone involved.

[VUGrad1314]

Stephen F. Austin can get this, but Valpo (or any other MVC school) couldn't?

https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1022111729298427904

[VULB#62]

Stephen F. Austin can get this, but Valpo (or any other MVC school) couldn't?

https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1022111729298427904

Could have to do with facilities and capacity.  From "Stadium Reviews":

William R. Johnson Coliseum is deceptively cavernous – the court descends downward from the main entrance, and this effect offers great acoustics for the game. It amplifies the home crowd noise exponentially, and while it is hard to fill the over 7,000 seats for games that are not against conference rivals or big-name programs, the set up greatly enhances the atmosphere.
Everywhere you look, from the multitude of banners that hang from the rafters touting the numerous successes the program has had, to the timelines of the men's and women's basketball programs near the main entrance, you get the feeling that you are entering a basketball cathedral in Nacogdoches.

[VUGrad1314]

We can have that too... I know we can...

[VU2014]

https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/1024297684444884994
https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/1024304875625164801

The NCAA listened after college basketball coaches complained about changing recruiting rules
Here's what big changes are scheduled to come for college basketball recruiting
Matt Norlander

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/the-ncaa-listened-after-college-basketball-coaches-complained-about-changing-recruiting-rules/

[VUGrad1314]

Part 4 of Cinderella Code is out. Heavy focus on Wichita State. In this installment, Craig discusses the notion of FBS football as a money pit outside the P5, and that the lack of football is a desirable disadvantage that can help fuel basketball success. His formula? Proximity to major city+Institutional commitment-football= potential for success. This might prove instructive in membership decisions the MVC makes in the future. Also it looks to me like Valpo has many of these ingredients already in place.

https://www.midmajormadness.com/2018/7/ ... final-four

[VUGrad1314]

Kudos to Bryce for stepping up the scheduling with his highly-touted recruiting class. Look at that Vandy MTE. Why even bother at that point?

https://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2017/11/27/16671208/2018-19-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-mte-neutral-site-showcases-thanksgiving

[VULB#62]

I'm jealous of UWM.  They travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland for their gig. The entire field is mid major.

[VULB#62]

Kudos to Bryce for stepping up the scheduling with his highly-touted recruiting class. Look at that Vandy MTE. Why even bother at that point?

https://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2017/11/27/16671208/2018-19-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-mte-neutral-site-showcases-thanksgiving

Keep in mind that he has a flock of freaking freshmen.  He needs to ease them into the world of P5 basketball.

[VUGrad1314]

That right there is why we can't get the games we so desperately need. Because too many P5 coaches think like that. "Our conference schedule is really hard let's eat 12 cupcakes before conference play and fall butt backwards into a tournament bid because our gaudy record covers up a subpar conference mark." The sad thing is playing better mids would actually help most P5 teams. If you're good enough to win a bunch of P5 games you're good enough to beat most every mid anyway and if you aren't good enough to beat most good mids then you probably aren't good enough for the tournament anyway.

[VULB#62]

Kudos to Bryce for stepping up the scheduling with his highly-touted recruiting class. Look at that Vandy MTE. Why even bother at that point?

https://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2017/11/27/16671208/2018-19-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-mte-neutral-site-showcases-thanksgiving

Keep in mind that he has a flock of freaking freshmen.  He needs to ease them into the world of P5 basketball.

Jeez, I forgot to add this:   

[VULB#62]

That right there is why we can't get the games we so desperately need. Because too many P5 coaches think like that. "Our conference schedule is really hard let's eat 12 cupcakes before conference play and fall butt backwards into a tournament bid because our gaudy record covers up a subpar conference mark." The sad thing is playing better mids would actually help most P5 teams. If you're good enough to win a bunch of P5 games you're good enough to beat most every mid anyway and if you aren't good enough to beat most good mids then you probably aren't good enough for the tournament anyway.

But the system is not rigged for that. 

[VUGrad1314]

This schedule is exactly what is wrong with the P5 and present scheduling practices. Not a single true road game, all the nonconference home games except Arkansas suck- and that's a challenge game not a series-- and there's just enough of a P5 presence so that it's not a total farce. They'll still make the tournament though because they'll probably beat Arkansas Memphis and possibly USC and do a decent enough job in the Big 12 but talk about being carried by your conference. I hope Missouri State kicks major butt in that tournament.

https://texastech.com/news/2018/8/3/mens-basketball-releases-nonconference-home-slate.aspx

[VUGrad1314]

Good read on Dayton and Middle Tennessee State.

https://www.midmajormadness.com/2018/8/5/17613426/a10-cusa-dayton-flyers-middle-tennessee-blue-raiders-battle-4-atlantis-college-basketball-tournament